Mount Martha

Population growth drivers in Mount Martha are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, Mount Martha's population is estimated at around 20,311, reflecting an increase of 465 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 19,846 in Mount Martha. This growth, inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 20,166 as of June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, results in a density ratio of 672 persons per square kilometer. Mount Martha's 2.3% growth since census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%). Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, an above median population growth is projected nationally, with the suburb of Mount Martha expected to expand by 3,188 persons, reflecting a gain of 15.0% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Martha recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Martha has seen approximately 67 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 339 homes received development approval, with an additional 19 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.5 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and supporting potential population growth while offering greater buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Mount Martha is approximately $1,722,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $10.1 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Mount Martha has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 49th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity shows 72.0% standalone homes and 28.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 330 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Mount Martha is expected to grow by 3,043 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth in the future.

Mount Martha has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

"Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are: Mount Martha North Foreshore Toilet Renewal, Briars Wildlife Sanctuary Expansion, Briars Class A Recycled Water Project, and Mount Martha Village Parking and Footpath Upgrade, Watson Road.".

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Mount Martha rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Mount Martha has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year (AreaSearch aggregation). As of September 2025, there are 10,334 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation is at 62.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high 31.1% of residents work from home (Census responses). Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.1%, compared to the regional average of 5.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force rose by 2.9%, resulting in a slight unemployment rise (AreaSearch analysis). In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced higher growth rates and unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Mount Martha. Applying these projections to the local employment mix indicates that employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes).

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The median taxpayer income in Mount Martha is $53,074, with an average of $82,981, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is extremely high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $57,453 and an average of $89,827, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Mount Martha cluster around the 65th percentile nationally. The income distribution shows that 29.7% of residents (6,032 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 32.8% are in the same category. Economic strength is evident with 32.4% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 86.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Mount Martha is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Mount Martha, as per the latest Census report, 84.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments or other types. This contrasts with Melbourne's metropolitan area where 67.9% of dwellings are houses and 32.1% are other types. Mount Martha had a higher level of home ownership at 43.9%, compared to the remainder which were either mortgaged (43.5%) or rented (12.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mount Martha was $2,167, exceeding Melbourne's metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Mount Martha was $496, higher than Melbourne's metro average of $390. Nationally, Mount Martha's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Mount Martha features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 78.2% of all households, including 37.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 20.8% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Mount Martha shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Mount Martha trail has 29.3% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (14.4%) and certificates (21.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.9%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (3.9%).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Mount Martha has 78 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 805 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents living an average of 341 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outwards, with cars being the predominant mode of transportation at 95%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a significant portion (31.1%) of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 115 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately ten weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Martha's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population and nearer the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Mount Martha. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low among the general population, near the nation's average for older, at-risk cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (12,095 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.1 and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Mount Martha has 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (5,646 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were above average but ranked lower nationally than the broader population.

Mount Martha ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Martha showed lower cultural diversity, with 79.1% born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 94.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 47.1%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (34.1%), Australian (25.8%), and Irish (9.7%). Other notable divergences included Scottish (9.5% vs regional 5.6%), Dutch (1.9% vs 1.2%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.4%).

Mount Martha hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mount Martha's median age is 47 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 11.4% of Mount Martha's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 4.7%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is higher than the national average of 6.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.4% to 11.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.4% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 9.0%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 14.6% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling indicates that Mount Martha's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 1,191 residents to reach 3,507. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 75% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age cohorts.